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OPINION: Live export critical to the greater beef industry

February 26, 2015

Bim Struss, AgForce Cattle President, has released a statement over the recent debate surrounding live export.

“IN light of recent debate surrounding the ongoing need for and relevance of live export in the greater beef cattle industry I feel compelled to outline the important contribution this market makes to the ongoing agriculture and rural and regional Queensland,” he says.

“Live export is not a competitor to domestic processing but rather plays a complementary role to the processing sector and acts as an important market alternative for suitable stock.

“Queensland is one of the largest producers of beef in the world and it is not an accurate assumption product being sold through the live export market can be absorbed by local processors.

“Basic economics also clearly shows us having complementary markets also stimulates jobs and regional communities.

“Australia’s live export sector currently employs around 10,000 people across Australia and forms the foundation of hundreds of businesses, each of which form a critical link in the live cattle supply chain.

“Again, economies of scale and the unique requirements of the live export trade clearly shows us claims these jobs and businesses could be absorbed into the domestic processing sector are misguided.

“Also misguided are notions our live export trading partners would tolerate the substitution of live cattle with chilled or boxed beef.

“While on the surface this may seem viable, history has shown us live export customers will actively seeks alternate suppliers should we be unable to meet live cattle requirements.

“It is critical to remember demand for live cattle is often underpinned by a cultural preference for freshly slaughtered livestock and limited refrigeration facilities and for that reason does not allow us to simply prescribe alternative product solutions – our customers are very clear about what they want and need.

“It is also imperative to understand the important role live export plays in globally improving animal welfare.

“Our industry well understands concerns which have been raised in the past as a result of the unacceptable behaviour of a very small number of participants in the supply chain.

“However, we refuse for the reputation of farming families, exporters and our entire sector to be muddied by what are exceptions and most certainly not norms.

“The Australian live export industry proudly drives global animal welfare through the provision of training, welfare risk analysis and technical support to offshore markets and has invested around $30 million in doing so.

“We understand our responsibility in following our livestock’s welfare from our paddock through to the plate of our overseas customers and have invested heavily in ensuring all in the supply chain are aware of and equipped to contribute to strong welfare outcomes.

“As is the case for the concept of replacing live cattle with chilled or boxed beef, we have seen in the past if our customers cannot source from us they will turn elsewhere and almost certainly to suppliers who do not prioritise animal welfare as we do.

“AgForce Queensland strives to ensure Queensland’s three main markets – domestic, boxed beef and live export are at once protected and grown to underpin price, profit and the prosperity of our producers and the broader rural and regional community.

“There is no doubt each is a unique and valuable contributor to the economy, society and to responsible livestock production and are fundamental to a strong agriculture sector which can deliver to all of Queensland,” says Mr Struss.

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